
This creamy Chicken Stroganoff brings together tender chunks of chicken in a rich sour cream sauce that clings to buttery noodles for the ultimate weeknight comfort meal. With easy steps and just a few familiar ingredients, this is a hearty dish that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly after a busy day.
Chicken Stroganoff was my go to dinner when I first started cooking for my family. The aroma makes everyone wander into the kitchen and we all end up fighting over the last scoop of sauce.
Ingredients
- Salted butter: adds richness and gives a golden base for the chicken and onions choose quality butter for the best flavor
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: becomes tender and soaks up all the sauce cut into even pieces for quicker cooking
- Sweet onion: offers depth and natural sweetness use a fresh firm onion
- Garlic: brings aromatic warmth and flavor mince finely for the best results
- All purpose flour: thickens the sauce and helps it cling beautifully to your noodles
- Unsalted chicken stock: is the base for a savory flavorful sauce opt for low sodium so you can control the seasoning
- Heavy cream: makes the sauce super velvety I reach for fresh cream not ultra pasteurized
- Worcestershire sauce: adds tangy savory notes and a little bit of oomph choose a well aged brand
- Kosher salt: enhances every flavor and keeps seasoning balanced use flaked or coarse
- Black pepper: gives gentle heat and depth
- Sour cream: brings the signature stroganoff tang choose full fat for extra creaminess
- Cooked egg noodles: to serve soak up the sauce perfectly I always pick wide yolky noodles
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional): for a burst of color and freshness pick bright green bunches with no wilted leaves
Instructions
- Melt the Butter:
- Set a large skillet over medium heat and add half the butter. Let it melt fully to coat the pan and start browning for extra flavor.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them brown undisturbed for a couple minutes before stirring, which helps develop deeper flavor. Brown all sides, then transfer to a plate. Do this in batches if needed so the pan stays hot and the chicken caramelizes instead of steaming.
- Sauté the Onions:
- Add the rest of the butter to the same skillet. Add the diced onions and cook slowly over medium heat, stirring often. Let them turn golden and soft over about 10 to 15 minutes, scraping up the chicken bits on the bottom as they cook.
- Fragrant Garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds to open up its flavor.
- Build the Roux:
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir until it disappears into the onions and starts bubbling. Cook this mixture for a full minute to remove any raw flour taste.
- Deglaze and Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken stock in a slow steady stream while whisking all the time to prevent lumps. Add the heavy cream and keep whisking until the sauce is smooth.
- Season the Sauce:
- Mix in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Taste and add a little more seasoning if it needs it.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce:
- Return the browned chicken and any juices to the pan. Stir to coat every piece with sauce.
- Simmer to Perfection:
- Let everything bubble on a gentle simmer for at least 5 to 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken and the chicken will finish cooking through.
- Finish with Sour Cream:
- Take the pan off the heat and gently fold in the sour cream until the sauce looks creamy and luscious.
- Serve:
- Pile the stroganoff over a bed of hot egg noodles and sprinkle parsley on top for a fresh finish.

I absolutely love the brightness that sour cream adds. The first time I tried swapping in a really tangy thick sour cream I could not believe how much it brought the sauce to life. I still remember my younger sister scraping her plate clean with her finger. It is now a running joke in the family that there is never enough sauce.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I recommend reheating gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of chicken breast you can use boneless chicken thighs which add their own richness. Greek yogurt can work in place of sour cream but the sauce will be a bit lighter and less tangy. For dairy free, opt for a plant based cream and margarine but the overall creaminess will be a little less lush.
Serving Suggestions
This is classic over wide egg noodles but I also love it over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. For a veggie boost, stir in spinach or steamed peas at the end right before serving.
Cultural and Historical Context
Chicken Stroganoff is inspired by the original beef stroganoff from Russia which features beef stripes in a sour cream sauce. Chicken versions became popular as a lighter and more budget friendly alternative with the creamy sauce and tangy richness still front and center.

This Chicken Stroganoff is so creamy and satisfying for any night of the week. Everyone will be scraping their plates for every last bit of sauce.